The Indian government has initiated stringent measures against prominent spice-exporting companies Everest and MDH following the discovery of elevated levels of ethylene oxide in their products exported to Singapore and Hong Kong. Officials familiar with the matter reported that inspections have been conducted and corrective measures recommended to address the issue.
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“We have also conducted three consultations with the industry,” a senior official revealed, underscoring the serious approach taken to ensure compliance with maximum permissible limits. These consultations have been crucial in aligning industry practices with international standards, the official added.
The Spices Board of India, the primary agency for regulating spice exports, recently mandated ethylene oxide testing for all spices destined for Hong Kong and Singapore. This follows a similar mandate established in 2022 for spices exported to Europe. The move aims to ensure Indian spices meet the varying international standards for ethylene oxide residue, protecting consumer health and maintaining market access.
Elevated Ethylene Oxide Levels
Recent tests identified that certain Everest and MDH products violated ethylene oxide residue regulations in Singapore and Hong Kong, leading to recalls and bans on specific batches in these markets. Hong Kong enforces a zero-tolerance policy for ethylene oxide in food products, while Singapore allows up to 50 parts per million. The European Union's limits are even stricter, ranging from 0.02 to 0.1 mg per kilogram.
Health Risks and Compliance Challenges
Ethylene oxide is commonly used to sterilize spices but poses health risks, including cancer, if residues exceed safe levels. The lack of a unified global standard for ethylene oxide limits complicates compliance for exporters. "There is no standardization of ethylene oxide limits or testing norms globally," another official noted, highlighting the challenge for Indian spice exporters.
The Spices Board of India’s mandate for rigorous ethylene oxide testing seeks to mitigate these issues, ensuring that Indian spices comply with international safety standards.
Improved Standards and Thriving Exports
Despite the challenges, Indian standards are showing improvement. "The failure rate of our spices, at 0.2%, is much better than the international average and significantly lower than the 0.73% rejection rate of food consignments entering India," stated a second senior official from the Ministry of Commerce.
Indian spice exports continue to thrive, with an increase in export value to $4.25 billion in FY24 from $3.76 billion the previous year. This growth underscores India's pivotal role in the global spice market, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality, safe products.
India remains one of the world's largest producers and exporters of spices, boasting a rich history of spice cultivation that dates back thousands of years. The country's diverse climate supports the cultivation of a wide variety of spices, including black pepper, cardamom, chili, turmeric, and cumin.
Conclusion
The Indian government’s proactive measures against Everest and MDH, alongside enhanced industry consultations and stringent testing mandates, reflect a robust commitment to maintaining the safety and quality of its spice exports. As international scrutiny intensifies, these efforts are crucial in preserving India’s reputation as a leading spice exporter in the global market.